Answers_to_Questions_-_26_Dec_18.xlsx

XLSX spreadsheet 17 KB Posted

Attached to
AF COOL Purchase Agent Federal contract opportunity
Solicitation number
FA330019RA001
Issued by
Department of the Air Force Air Education and Training Command

About this file

From the source

Answers to Questions

View the file

Other files for this federal contract opportunity

Other files attached to AF COOL Purchase Agent, newest first.
File Type Posted
Attachment_3_-_Section_M_-_26_Dec_18.docx DOCX document
Attachment_2_-_Section_L_-_26_Dec_18.docx DOCX document
Attachment_1_-_Performance_Work_Statement_-_26_Dec_18.docx DOCX document
Solicitation_-_FA330019RA001_-_Updated.pdf PDF
Attachment_1_-_Performance_Work_Statement_-_30_Nov_18.docx DOCX document
Attachment_5_-_Past_Performance_Questionaire-signed.pdf PDF
Attachment_2_-_Section_L.docx DOCX document
Attachment_7_-_WD_2015-4608_Rev6.pdf PDF
Attachment_4_-_Past_Performance_Information.docx DOCX document
Attachment_6_-_Subcontractor_Consent_Letter.docx DOCX document
Attachment_3_-_Section_M.docx DOCX document
Show all 11

On GovTribe

Work with this file on GovTribe

  • Download the original file
  • Contacts named in this file
  • Similar government files
  • Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Try for free Login

Text version

The file's text, extracted by GovTribe without its formatting.

Sheet1

Page NumberLocationQuestionsAnswers
fbo.gov solicitationSolicitation AFCOOL Purchase Agents Solicitation Number: FA330019R0002: the FBO announcement states that "Civilian credentials and associated preparation tools that may be paid for by the contractor are identified on the Air Force Credentialing Opportunity On- Line (AF COOL) website located in the Air Force Automated Education Management System (AFAEMS), Air Virtual Education Center within the Air Force Portal (https://www.my.af.mil/)." Yet, after contacting the help desk at the portal we were informed that to obtain a CAC one must be a GS employee or military (USAF) retired. How do we move forward if we want to respond to this solicitation?The public information side can be viewed without a CAC, and if it asks for one on the public side, hit cancel. Prospective vendors will not be allowed to access the CAC enabled side until they are awarded the contract and entered into TASS. This is the link to the AF COOL site: https://afvec.us.af.mil/afvec/Public/COOL/Default.aspx
Page 1, Paragraphs 2.1 and 3.0.Performance Work StatementWho are "approved" enlisted personnel? How does the contractor make this determination?Contractor does not make this determination, it is made by the CPO. The contract only purchases what has been approved by the CPO (Government).
Page 1, Paragraph 3.0Performance Work StatementCan the government provide a link to the user guide for AFAEMS and the AF Portal or any reference (e.g. Operating Instructions) for purchase agents?Link will be provided to the successful offeror.
Page 1, Paragraph 3.2Performance Work StatementCan the government elaborate on the need for purchase agents to have approval to purchase? Has there been a "bottleneck" caused in the past due to the contractor's approval process?Contractors must have approval by the government to make purchases since they are not able to directly obligate the government. The contractor has not been the bottleneck as long as they can meet the requirements in the PWS.
Page 1, Paragraph 3.4Performance Work StatementIs the Air Force willing to absorb the cost of credentialing as the cost of credentialing will place small businesses in different small business size standards and adversely affect their future NAICS code compliance?No. The Air Force will not absorb the cost of credentialing.
Page 2, Paragraph 3.5Performance Work StatementClarification: Paragraph states that each purchasing agent will maintain a spending account capable of spending no less than $500K per month. Is it accurate that with an estimate of 7 employees, the spending capability is no less than $3.5M per month?No. See updated PWS.
Page 2, Paragraph 3.6Performance Work StatementIs paying by cash a realistic payment option?Yes, there are vendors that are cash only.
Page 2, Paragraph 3.7Performance Work StatementIf a purchase is made and no receipt is available to be loaded into AFAEMS, how will the contractor be reimbursed?They will not be reimbursed without a receipt.
Page 2, Paragraph 3.7.2Performance Work StatementAre Airmen who fail to test or complete a study course required to reimburse the Air Force?No, not at this time, but there is always the possibility of changes due to changes in HQ AF/DoD policies.
Page 2, Paragraph 3.9Performance Work StatementThe monthly purchase information that will be submitted currently includes a complete breakdown of the Invoice number, TAID, and item purchased. Should this monthly information also include interest accrued by the CTR?The contractor should not be accruing interest if the government is paying in a timely manner.
Page 3, 6.1 Workload ProjectionPerformance Work StatementWhat are the total number of FTEs provide per year for this effort in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively?2015 (3),2016 (3), 2017(3), 2018 (4 plus 1 military)
Page 3,Performance Work StatementWhat are the government's FTE workload projections (e.g., 4 FTE, 5 FTE, etc.) for 2019 and 2020, respectively?This requirement is not to be defined by the government. The contractor need to make the determination on the number of FTEs to number at least 4.
Paragraph 6.1
Page 3,Performance Work StatementIs the same rate of growth from the current workload expected to continue in the next two years?Yes
Paragraph 6.1
Page 3,Performance Work StatementWith the rate of growth from 2015 to 2018 being a difference between $2-3$M, will 4 FTE's continue to be enough for the projected work over the next two years?This is a performance based services acquisition; reference PWS paragraph 6.1 for the approximately number of individuals required to meet the requirements of the PWS. The actual proposed number of individuals is up to the offeror.
Paragraph 6.1
Page 3,Performance Work StatementWhat are the thresholds for justification regarding additional purchasing agents?The number of calls, emails, purchasing numbers, and continued growth of the program.
Paragraph 6.1
Page 3,Performance Work StatementThe requirement for 4-7 full-time employees is broad and not fully explained/defined. This has the potential to result in comparing “apples to oranges”. Will the Government please determine a singular level of effort as the required baseline (e.g., 4 FTE, 5 FTE, etc.)?No, this requirement is not to be defined by the government. The contractor need to make the determination on the number of FTEs to number at least 4.
Paragraph 6.2
Page 3,Performance Work StatementIn reviewing the table with testing and cost data, what are costs other than exams and study materials (about $2.5M in the Total column)?AF COOL only pays for exams and study materials (books, prep courses, ect.)
Paragraph 6.2
Page 3,Performance Work StatementThe second table is incomplete.Table is complete. Some information was not tracked prior to FY18.
Paragraph 6.2
Page 5,Performance Work StatementWill each contractor employee be expected to travel up to 4 times per year?No
Paragraph 7.2
Page 10, Contractor Use of Government EquipmentPerformance Work StatementThe PWS has 2 laptops listed for government furnished hardware. With 4-7 employees needed for the tasks, is the contractor required to provide the additional hardware items?Please see amendment 1.
Page 9, Section F: Deliveries or PerformanceSolicitationThe current RFP is written for a two year period of performance, why is the period of performance not written for 5 years?Due to forthcoming changes of the program it is in the Government best interest only to award a 1-year base and 1-year option at this time.
Attachment 2 Section LAre resumes outside of the 20 page limit for the Volume II - Factor 1 - Technical Proposal?Please see amendment 1 for changes to page limit from 20 to 40.
Attachment 2 Section LIs the required glossary outside of the 20 page limit for Volume II - Factor 1 - Technical Proposal?No. Please see amendment 1.
Attachment 2 Section LAre the cover page and table of contents outside of the 20 page limit for Volume II - Factor 1 - Technical Proposal?No. Please see amendment 1.
Page 1Attachment 2, Section LWhat is the anticipated date that the answers fro all offers questions be posted to FBO?Posted date of December 26, 2018
Page 2Attachment 2, Section LThere is conflicting information in Section L.H.a, and L.H.b. Section A says that the proposal can be submitted electronically and/or via CD-R, Section B says submission will not be allowed electronically. Can you clarify the submission requirementPlease see amendment 1.
RFP Page 6 of 7 PWS page 4Attachment 2 Section L.I.j and, Attachment 1, PWS Section 6.3How many resumes are required for submission?Resumes are required for each position.
RFP Page 6 of 7 PWS page 4Attachment 2, Section L .I.I and Attachment 1, PWS 6.3Please confirm only 4 FTEs are required in the first year.No. This requirement is not defined by the government. The contractor needs to make the determination on the number of FTEs to number of at least 4.
RPF Page 6Attachment 2 Section L (4) (a)These instructions are not consistent with the instructions in Section L, HPlease see amendment 1.
RFP Page 6Attachment 2 Section L (4) (b)Will the government accept provisional G & A rates as approved by DCAA to be added to the reimbursable cost expenses?No.
Page 1Solicitation, Section 9Since the Government posted the initial notice on Fed Biz Ops on 3 Dec and the final solicitation on 11 Dec, will the Government consider extending the deadline?No.
Page 3 Section BSolicitationCLINs 0002 and 1002 for Air Force COOL Credentialing Expenses list the CLIN type as “Cost No fee.” The contractor is expected to pay all such expenses with its own funds, invoice the Government for actual costs, and be subsequently reimbursed by the Government for approved costs. As a result, the offeror will in essence be providing the Government with a “no cost loan” for 60-90 days on a potentially substantial amount of funds ($250,000 or more). 1) How does the Government expect the Offeror to recoup its “cost of capital” for carrying those expenses? 2) The only other billable CLIN is for the Direct Labor which is an FFP type CLIN. Can the offeror include its anticipated “cost of capital” in its fully burdened labor rates? 3) If so, will those rates be considered “fair and reasonable”?1. If the funds that will be used are from a financial institution, the Gov will reimburse any charges (with proof) from the institution under other direct cost.

2. This is a performance base acquisition. How cost is allocated is determined by the offerors. The government will not tell offerors how to allow his/her propose cost under this solicitation.

Page 10 Section 13.1Attachment 1-PWSAll staff (estimated 4-7 FTEs) is required to work on Government site. However, only two computers will be provided as GFE. 1) How does the Government expect the Offeror’s personnel to be able to access the Government network? 2) Will Air Force security policy allow work to be performed on site using Contractor furnished computers?1. Please see amendment 1. 2. Yes
Page 2. H. (a) & H (b)Attachment 2-Instructions for BiddersThese two sections appear to be contradictory. H.(a) says that “All volumes shall be submitted electronically” whereas H.(b) states “Submission of the initial proposal via electronic mail will not be accepted.”

Request the Government clarify how the proposal is to be submitted.

Please see amendment 1.
Page 4 l. (2).(j)Attachment 2Atch 2 Instructions for Bidders requires the offeror to provide fully-qualified resumes for all positions listed in PWS 6.3, i.e., the Purchasing Manager (1 FTE) and all of the proposed number of Purchasing Agents (x FTEs). This requirement seems to be excessive and competition limiting. Request the Government revise the requirement to provide a fully-qualified resume for only the Purchasing Manager, who would be the Key Person on the contract.Resumes are required for each position.
Page 2 Subfactor 1 TableAttachment 3-Evaluation FactorsAtch 3 Evaluation Factors states that the offeror will be evaluated (as Acceptable/Unacceptable) on its ability to provide fully-qualified resumes for all positions listed in PWS 6.3, i.e., the Purchasing Manager (1 FTE) and all of the proposed number of Purchasing Agents (x FTEs). This requirement seems to be excessive and competition limiting.

Request the Government revise the evaluation criteria to the offeror’s ability to provide a fully-qualified resume for only the Purchasing Manager, who would be the Key Person on the contract.

Resumes are required for each position.
Page 3 Past Performance TableAttachment 3The “Very Relevant/Relevant/Somewhat Relevant” definitions all include the requirement that any cited contract “must have three (3) or more years” of performance. This requirement seems excessive and competition limiting given that the current solicitation is only for a maximum of two year effort. Request the Government reduce the requirement to 2 years for “Very Relevant/Relevant” and 1 year for “Somewhat Relevant.”Please see amendment 1 for changes to solicitation.
Page 3 Past Performance TableAttachment 3The “Somewhat Relevant” definition includes the requirement that the cited contract “Performance must be to purchase credentialing exams, preparation materials, and course work associated with preparation for civilian credentialing.” This requirement seems excessive and completion limiting. Request the Government revise the requirement to read “Performance must be to maintain student and/or faculty records in an academic environment.”No changes will be made to attachment 3. Past Performance Table
Attachment 2 Section L (3)Page 6 (3)(J)SolicitationWe would ask for additional clarification in Attachment 2, Section L(3) regarding the use of “Teaming Agreement” and “Teaming Arrangement”. On Page 6, under (3)(J), the Solicitation states: “Teaming Arrangement. If a teaming arrangement is contemplated, provide complete information as to the arrangement, including any relevant and recent past performance information on previous teaming arrangements with same partner. If this is a first time joint effort, each party to the arrangement must provide a list of past contracts of relevance.”, however, under (3)(b)(4), the Solicitation indicates the general outline for Volume III and cites “Teaming Agreement, if applicable” (in terms of Volume III organization). As you are aware, since these terms have different uses. We assume the Solicitation requires offerors only to provide additional information if a Teaming Arrangement in being contemplated in accordance with FAR 9.6. Please advise. Further, should the requirement at (3)(b)(4) to submit a teaming agreement be revised to read “teaming arrangement”? Accordingly, is it correct that the teaming arrangement requirement only applies to offerors who are submitting an offer based on FAR 9.6 and does not apply to an Offeror who has the traditional prime and subcontractor relationship?
Yes.
Page 5Section LThe instructions state that the offeror sends the government’s questionnaire (Attch #5) to the customers of relevant PPI. The questionnaire informs the customer that they will be contacted by 42d CONS. It is not clear if the customer submits the questionnaire without completing section 4 to 42d CONS to initiate the telephone call; or if the telephone call is generated by the PP/I volume submission. Also, if customer submits PPQ prior to phone call when the PPQ should be submitted; or when customer can expect to be contacted by 42d CONSIf reference complete PPQ the completed PPQ must be submitted to 42 CONS by the solicitation closing date. If reference do not return completed PPQ, telephone interviews will be conducted.

File details come from the government source that posted it.